Class of 2015 recognized

Recognition Day is the first step in a cadet's leadership journey

The 630 young men and women who comprise The Citadel’s Class of 2015 were recognized today, and they capped the day off by marching through the center of downtown Charleston to Marion Square, home of the original Citadel campus. 

Check out more photos and videos at "The Citadel External Affairs" on Facebook

Recognition Day is a milestone in each freshman cadet’s leadership development at the Military College of South Carolina. Recognition Day also is the first step in their journey of learning to be leaders. The strict regimented lifestyle – short haircuts and walking fast paced in single file – will end now. Ahead is the expectation that members of the Class of 2015 will adhere to the values of integrity, respect, duty, and accountability as they become upper class members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

“Preparation for this day began when the knobs arrived on campus in August,” said Commandant of Cadets Col. Leo Mercado, USMC retired.

"With the leadership and mentoring of their cadet leaders and Tactical Officers, the Class of 2015 was instilled with the values of honor, duty and respect," Mercado said. "I congratulate the Class of 2015 for working together to reach this milestone on the journey to becoming principled leaders.” 

The events associated with Recognition Day reinforce the concept of teamwork and overcoming adversity through physical challenges and the tenacity to succeed.

Check out more photos and videos at "The Citadel External Affairs" on Facebook

The day began at 5:30 a.m. with morning PT (physical training) and was followed leadership instruction and the Gauntlet, a rigorous team-building exercise consisting of a series of timed tasks designed to foster camaraderie and pride in achievement. After a victory lap around campus the knobs and their cadet leaders returned to their respective companies for the traditional class set of pushups (115 for the Class of 2015) and the long-awaited Recognition Ceremony.

During the Recognition Ceremony, the upper class cadets introduce themselves by name and recognize the freshmen by their first and last names, dropping the "Knob" designation.

The day culminated with the entire Class of 2015 and their cadet leaders marching down King Street to Marion Square where the freshmen renewed their cadet oath. Marion Square is the site of the original Citadel campus. The college moved to its current site on Moultrie Street on the banks of the Ashley River in 1922.

Exams begin April 25 at The Citadel and are followed by graduation on Saturday, May 5.

Check out more photos and videos at "The Citadel External Affairs" on Facebook